pair of pliers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pair of pliers" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a tool used for gripping, bending, or cutting objects. Example: "I need a pair of pliers to fix this loose wire."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The interrogator produced a pair of pliers.

The New Yorker

"Ah!" He said: "I've left you a pair of pliers..."...

The Guardian

If there are any, pull them out with tweezers or a pair of pliers.

The New York Times

He got a pair of pliers and removed many of the handles for me.

The New York Times

Native English doesn't make a translator, any more than a pair of pliers makes a dentist.

The New York Times

A multicoloured feather duster becomes Captain Flint's parrot, with a pair of pliers for the beak.

The Guardian - Books

He extracted a pair of pliers from his holster&said "these are small-line pliers..."...

The New Yorker

And then he set to work with, I kid you not, a pair of pliers.

The New York Times - Food

MIKE WATT AND THE PAIR OF PLIERS, Maxwell's, 1039 Washington Street, Hoboken, N.J., [phone].

The New York Times

Bamu also beat him, taking a pair of pliers and wrenching his ear.

The Guardian

Sometimes it is a sledgehammer, and on other plays, a pair of pliers.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a task, be specific about the type of pliers needed, such as needle-nose pliers for precision work or lineman's pliers for electrical tasks.

Common error

Avoid using "plier" when you need more than one. Pliers are functionally a pair, so "a plier" is only correct if you are explicitly noting a single piece of the tool.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pair of pliers" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a specific tool. Ludwig examples show it used as the object of a verb (e.g., "use a pair of pliers") or as a subject complement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

70%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pair of pliers" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to a specific tool used for gripping, bending, or cutting. According to Ludwig, it's found most frequently in News & Media and Wiki contexts. While technically interchangeable with the plural "pliers", "pair of pliers" explicitly emphasizes the tool's dual nature. For more specific uses, you might opt for terms like "needle-nose pliers" depending on the task. Remember to avoid the singular form "plier" unless specifically denoting one half of the tool. Overall, the phrase is widely accepted and understood in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set of pliers

Replaces "pair" with "set", emphasizing the collection of tools.

pliers

Uses the plural noun "pliers" to refer to the tool directly, without specifying a pair.

a plier

Specifies a single plier, rather than a pair.

cutting pliers

Focuses on a specific type of pliers used for cutting.

gripping pliers

Emphasizes the gripping function of the pliers.

needle-nose pliers

Refers to a specific type of pliers with long, pointed jaws.

linesman's pliers

Specific type of pliers commonly used by electricians.

slip-joint pliers

Specific type of pliers with an adjustable pivot point.

tool for gripping

Describes the function of pliers in a more general way.

metalworking tool

Places the pliers in the broader context of metalworking tools.

FAQs

How do you use "pair of pliers" in a sentence?

You can use "pair of pliers" to describe using the tool. For example, "I used a "pair of pliers" to bend the wire."

What can I say instead of "pair of pliers"?

You can use alternatives like "set of pliers", "pliers", or specify the type of pliers such as "needle-nose pliers".

Is it correct to say "a plier" instead of "pair of pliers"?

While technically you can say "a plier" if you are referring to just one half of the tool, it is generally understood that pliers come in a pair. Therefore, ""pair of pliers"" or simply "pliers" is more common.

What is the difference between "pliers" and "pair of pliers"?

"Pliers" is the plural form of the tool, while ""pair of pliers"" explicitly indicates that you are referring to the complete tool consisting of two handles and jaws. Both are generally interchangeable.